Head banger's ball

I'm still clueless at how Laz hurt himself, although thanks to a possible 'maybe' by  Jenj I am now wondering if he did indeed walk under a low branch and whacked himself.

Or got kicked?
Or 10,00000000 other possibilities. ;)

The last couple of days, I've checked on him and treated the area

 THIS was huge. 

He allowed me to touch it, lightly, but allowed. He still is telling me it hurts and is sensitive around the star and oddly, around his left ear he seems to pull away.
I can touch his ear, in and all around, with no adverse reactions. It's when I approach his star from the left ear that he jerks away.

 So strange isn't it?

No HUGE gaping wound, but you can see the scrape to the right of his moonstar and where the blood trickled down towards his left eye.

A wound like this, I wouldn't even think twice about HOWEVER, it was HIS reaction to it that told me it HURT. 

There is no swelling, everything looks symmetrical and no new sensitive parts.

So, hopefully in a few days, it'll  be a none issue.

He allows me to halter him, he just is sensitive about touching around star/treating it.

 I typically use my favorite salve by Zephyrs Garden, which amazingly stays soft even in bitter cold weather and heals wounds super fast.  However, being Laz wouldn't allow me to touch it, I needed something spray-able to treat quick, AND safe for around his eyes in case it dripped.

So, I went to my feed store and bought the $$$ holy water. I figured it was less expensive that a vet visit and I don't really think my vet could do anything different than what I'm doing (hopefully I'm right with this thought)

With feeding some of his 'grain' I was able to spray the dickens out of his forehead for the last two days. I think it's helping.

And in fun award news, Laz and I got this;

Liebster means “dearest” in German, and the award is intended to help up-and-coming blogs get the attention they deserve. Here are the rules:

1. Copy and paste the award on our blog.

2. Link back to the blogger who gave us the award----Thank you to Allison and Shy!!!!  If you haven't been reading about Shy, do it; so often I found myself laughing at how adorable and mischievous she is. 

Guess what, she's a dollface Haffie who knows how to DRIVE..fun! I'm thinking skijoring is in their future! 

3. Pick our five favorite blogs with less than 200 followers, and leave a comment on their blog to let them know they have received the award.

Hope that the five blogs chosen will keep spreading the love and pass it on to five more blogs

My 5 blogs that I would TOTALLY recommend for both awesome horse owners/do-er's and for their adorable horses:

1.  http://milesonmiles.blogspot.com/

2.  http://dressagewannabes.blogspot.com/

3.  http://enzo-janine.blogspot.com/

4.  http://quartersforme.blogspot.com/

5.  http://honeysucklefaire.blogspot.com/  

Trail riding and swimming-Part II VIDEOS

Videos from the best trail riding day ever! :)

Splashing at the side of the Lake at Kensington

Swimming out in the River at the end of our 4.5 trail ride

This video above shows a slight body shift where I thought Laz was going to spook while we first swam in the river, but he was just getting his footing and I swear he looked back at me like "REEE-LAX..I'm not gunna drop you."

Funny boy

He did awesome... he's my MegaHorse! :)

And MUCHO thanks to those that awarded me with the "One Lovely Blog Award"

So, 7 things you don't know about me:

1. Every ride I try to challenge myself a little because I tend to be a wimp

2.  I love FOOD and will pretty much try anything (bugs and bloody things NO)-Ethiopian is one of my favorite cuisines 

3.  I have a freckle on the palm of my hand, on my left ring finger 

4.  I can draw, paint, sculpt etc and need to get back into it!

5.  I love black olives and hearts of palm; both out of a can.  

Pretty much if I could have my own salt lick, I would.

6.  I talk to myself, like all the time, full conversations and I don't think it's weird.  

7.  I firmly believe in Karma 

and to pass it along..I'm going to try to chose those who haven't gotten the award, but know ALL your blogs are very interesting to me and I learn from each one!

1.  http://enzo-janine.blogspot.com/

2.  http://slowandsteadysmilerwinstherace.blogspot.com/

3. http://barb-nina.blogspot.com/

4.  http://rockinroxie.blogspot.com/

5.  http://milesonmiles.blogspot.com/

6. http://equineatparr.blogspot.com/

7.  http://tailsoftheottb.blogspot.com/

8.  http://jessandprinceofthieves.blogspot.com/

9.  http://lucysquest.blogspot.com/

10. http://tbeventer.blogspot.com/

Award!

Wow thanks!

And to think, we are considered "stylish" when long johns, and five layers of clothing puff us out, and knit hats with runny noses is our daily look.  

We'll take it! 

There are 4 duties to perform to receive this award:

1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award 15 recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award!

The thank you:

Denali's Mom was the first to give us this award, so thanks girls!!! :)  

D's Mom and I have grown to be friends through the blogging community, or as I can it, our virtual barn.  She's given me such great advice and support and that midnight email almost a year ago that basically saved Laz's life.  No joke.  Are we indebted...most certainly.   She rocks. Her Pony rocks.  And somehow our beasts keep testing our heart's strength and humor...and sanity.  It's always nice to know that someone knows EXACTLY how you feel. 

So 7 things about myself that you don’t already know…

1.  I love food. I'm a self proclaimed foodie! I try to eat 98% Vegan but will occasionally cheat for the right meal.  I would eat anything/everything and could totally win any eating contest on Survivor or Amazing Race.

2. I want to do, be on the Amazing Race.  The thing that stops me is the bungee jumping, or bridge walking or jumping out of planes craziness. **barf**

3.  I'm Greek.  100% and I love it and am proud of my heritage and my family (also links to my #1)

4.  I can have a sharp tongue.  My parents think it stems from me getting sent to a private all girls high school.  I think it's inherited. lol!  Mostly it comes out when I feel the need to defend someone or myself. 

5.  I have crazy spacial planning gifts.  I can look at leftovers and know what size container to put it in...perfectly.  It's odd.  It helps with my work of being a kitchen designer so I can create space for clients things

6.  I hate Bullies.  Not the animal Bulls, or Bully sticks that dogs chew (what are those anyway??) but mean people.  That is where #4 comes into play.  I like to speak up for those that dont/wont/cant and get myself in trouble defending them against a Bully.

7.  I'm a lipgloss junkie.  I have about 7 all in the same rose-ish, pinkish shade in my purse right now and about 12 more strewn around my house.  Laz likes my peppermint flavored ones!

15 blogs who are deserving: 

(some b/c of style, some because of knowledge and some both!)

1.  http://milesonmiles.blogspot.com/

2. http://honeysucklefaire.blogspot.com/

3.  http://jumping-percheron.blogspot.com/

4.  http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/

5.  http://www.copycatchic.com/

6.  http://iamthesprinklerbandit.blogspot.com/

7.  http://quartersforme.blogspot.com

8.  http://ohhorsefeathers.blogspot.com

9.  http://barefoothorseblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/thin-sole-thick-sole.html

10.  http://onthebit.wordpress.com/

11.  http://latokarla.blogspot.com/

12.  http://tuckerthewunderkind.blogspot.com/

13.  http://lucysquest.blogspot.com/2011/01/i-love-my-horse-part-3.html

14. http://jessandprinceofthieves.blogspot.com

15.  http://www.bitlesshorseblog.com/

(sorry, some of you may have already gotten this)

Readers..I highly recommend above blogs if you don't already read them! (so many more too....ugh!)

Some pics from Sunday

Angel baby Mason

 Angel baby Laz

 My Husband said he looks like a Donkey here, lol..I love Donkeys!

 Sunday was Parelli/ground work b/c I am fighting a cold..ugh...so I didn't feel like half ass riding.

Laz was awesome and kept stopping and sneaking up behind me to nuzzle.

Ok...I gave in.

Wouldn't you?!

Intrepid Riders Faction Blog award!

We got an awesome award from Pru and Olly (aka BigRedHorse) 

She said (fyi, I had to put the text in Red b/c it's Olly's color):


"When I read the description of this award, I instantly thought of her. She has gone through the most terrible times with her OTTB Laz. She has overcome the financial and emotional burden of owning her own horse. She has remained by his side through thick and thin. She has watched her boy endure pain from founder, when he could barely walk and at one point had an appointment scheduled for euthanisia, but she knew in her heart that Laz was a tough boy. She cancelled the appointment and held her head high. In her mind she knew that she may never ride Laz again, but it was worth it to just hear his whinney and be near him. Because of her courage, faith and maybe a little craziness, Laz is is making an awesome recovery and they have stared light riding. I read everyone of her blog posts. I am proud of her and Laz's success. Follow her their recovery. She is one amazing girl. "


Awww, thanks guys! Bu what Pru has shown me, is fearless riding and guidance to her beautiful TB who has grown into such a power horse and clearly love love loves what he does!  It's awesome to see..their videos rock! They are both total athletes! xo you guys! :) To my readers, if you don't already drool over Olly's skill, check them out at her killer blog...click Here!!

~INTREPID RIDERS FACTION ~We strive to go where others only dare to go with our horse loves...healing,being respectful of the horse, riding, playing, camping, jumping, swimming and traveling down the trails of life. . . . with the horse in Heart ~ Overcoming many obstacles and sometimes weather, to ride!

This Award is dedicated to those Horse lovers and riders that inspire others to go deeper in ability, knowledge and understanding of the Equine(s) they have been entrusted to.The good of the horse is the ultimate goal apart from pressures to achieve ribbons and fit into lesson schedules.

~Some of These riders are fearless, when it comes to weather conditions and the forecasting of them...being with their horses, fills these folks' soul and takes the cares out of daily routines.

~They are unconditionally loving to the horse and may have rescued it from known ailment or living condition.

~Others have researched and purchased/ acquired their horse, to find a difficulty in temperament or a physical burden within the animal. Yet, Being dedicated , they have persevered to proudly be in partnership with their horse, lovingly striving for deeper awareness's between them.

~Some horse lovers may have been riding for years and suddenly, had an accident that takes them away from the great joy and freedom they have, being aboard such a magnificent animal. ~They have allowed the healing horse to rise in their hearts once again, and beckon them back!

~Fear is not my normal response to things ... just a desire to achieve higher understanding of what may lay ahead of me with my mare, that truly is a gift to my heart and soul. I always seek out knowledgeable and caring individuals to assist me, in any quest I may look into.

I am taking with me the good I have leaned from caring individuals that have shown great single minded LOVE to the horse, and am leaving the dust of the bad behind me, not allowing it to fetter my supreme desire to be all I can be : as a rider to my mare or gelding and also - to allow- her to be the Equine athlete she truly is!

There are not many rules with this award...JUST : 

1)that you give it to only one person

2)link back to this post, so they may have an understanding to it's true nature.
3) You may use any or all of the written descriptions, with the award picture.

The person I am passing this down to is:

Our good bloggy friend "Denali's Mom" at Green n Green=Black n Blue

Denali's Mom (I know her name but she goes by this on her blog, so I'm respecting her wishes) is a TOP horse Mom.  Her beautiful mare, Denali, has gone through some rough times since she was rescued and her Mom has been there at her side, treating her (and us) with humor the whole way.  

I, personally, hold a dear spot for DM (and countless others (Frizzle u too)) for the push-push-push to try barefoot with my boy when I was desperate for solutions. DM reached out to me personally and actually set me up with her barn's barefoot trimmer who lead me on my path to finding Cliff.  

DM's own battle to rehab her mare continues but they are making great progress and I just know that soon, she'll be able to show dressage on her own wild pony beast!! We love you guys! :)

To go with that..is this awesome video that I saw on Facebook...pretty much covers it! :)

Aw, shucks

Blushing cheeks, this award is as good as a Blue ribbon, to me!

Thank you to Juliette, OntheBit, Frizzle, Breathe (sorry if I missed someone) for the honor of tagging me as 1 of their 15 blogs

So the rules are: Tell 7 things about yourself and to give this award to 15 other blogs/bloggers.

So, here we go:

1. I I am Greek, 100%, my Mom was born in Athens, Greece and my Dad was born in Detroit, Michigan to his Greek parents straight off the boat. My friends tell me my Mom has an accent, but I don’t hear it. Both my Parents are daily inspiration to me as to what kind of people I aspire to be in life, work and play. I am lucky.

2. My husband and I were set up an a blind date by two different people that didn’t know each other. Fate, yes. I fought it for a long time but when I finally met him, he made me exhale all the nervous demons out. He makes me crack up daily and offers tremendous support in all I do and I try to do the same as well. He is tall and handsome and has the kindest eyes and the best zinger one liners.

3. I I am my own version of a Vegan. I don’t eat meat, dairy or eggs, but I die over seafood and eat that enough that it could be a problem for the ocean’s eco system. I do occasionally cheat if I have an odd craving for meat but it tastes like death usually and I stop after one bite. I’m lactose intolerant, so there you go. I’ve been a Kristen Vegan for almost a year and love it. It opens the door to so many different forms of cuisine and I’ve notice most of the world eats similar to this. And, I love salt and French fries and olives and eggplant sandwiches and Greek style Okra. Yum.

4. When I’m nervous, I literally shake. My legs, my back and my teeth chatter. It’s not cute especially when in the past trying to do horse shows. I shake on plane rides but it doesn’t stop me from flying. I shake when I get bad news. It’s anxiety but I have learned to deal with it and can usually stop it within a few minutes. Sometimes I struggle with it in the saddle which is the worst because if my horse couldn’t tell from my elevated heart rate, he certainly can tell from the shaking stirrups. Lol!

5. I I am a klutz. I danced for years and still fall, trip, walk into walls, bump my head on my car door getting out, stumble up stairs, fall in my high heels and bite my cheeks all the time.

6. I I got accepted into the Art Institute of Chicago. I didn’t attend college there ( I went to Central Michigan U) but I wanted to see IF I could get accepted for vanity’s sake. It was the scariest and happiest day of my life. You arrive with your art portfolio in the am, drop it off with the judges, tour the facility, fall in love with the school and come back to hear the panel’s thoughts on your artwork. There were many crying teens and I felt guilty that I got accepted knowing that I wasn’t going to go. Oops.

7. I I am dying to compete in the Amazing Race. I will eat anything, do anything minus the height/flying/bungee jumping crazy stuff, or drive over a bridge, I don’t like tall bridges when I’m driving. That is where my sweet Husband would have to take over. I think we could win and it looks like a total blast to be able to travel on someone else’s dime and immerse yourself in that culture for 24 hrs.

15 great blogs to pass this award onto:

So, I guess, I can't pass it along to Juliette, OntheBit , Frizzle or Breathe (BUT I SO WOULD FYI) but I just want to say you three are amazing ladies and I not only enjoy reading your blogs, but feel a horsefriendship through it as well. I feel that Laz and I have a huge support and range of knowledge out there. Mwa!!!! I'll also try to pick people that haven't been chosen yet, as well.

1. http://wildponybeast.blogspot.com/ If you don't already read this (she has a million followers) get over there asap. This girl owns a beaut of an OTTB mare with attitude and flair. Not to mention, Denali's owner is as funny as they come! She personally helped to connect me with a barefoot specialist as well. We owe her tons! xo

2. http://bitlesshorse.blogspot.com/ this girl is tiny but BIG on ideas and love of horses...SO cool! I'm new following her but, wow.

3. http://solitairemare.blogspot.com/ -this blogs latest entry of riding brideless is A-mazing. Literally something out of a dream, like when you were a child wishing for your 1st pony and how you just envisioned riding it bareback and without a bridle (come on, I was a child during The Black Stallion era). So cool.

4. http://horseshoes-n-handgrenades.blogspot.com/ - this blog's owner has three of the most beautiful horses, I totally have horse envy! :)

5. http://ohhorsefeathers.blogspot.com/ this chick rocks! I love how she personally reached out to me for more info regarding this new barefoot method we are trying. Thx! Lots of fun photos on her blog!

6. http://ponygirlridesagain.blogspot.com/ Wow, this girl has a talent for photography. It doesn't hurt that her "My Boy" is totally gorgeous!!

7. http://thewindofheaven.blogspot.com/ this blog is a soft breath of air, and she writes beautifully. She seems so kind so I hope this award will pass along a little smile to her.

8. http://msfoxypants.blogspot.com/ This blogger is rehabbing a beauty of a Mare with navicular and anyone who calls their horse a 'money eating wonder horse' gets my vote, lol!

9. http://bigredhorse.blogspot.com/ This girl's Giant Red TB is gorg and so athletically talented! Not to mention his Mom on his back! Boy they could ride circles around me.

10. http://afatgirlafathorse.blogspot.com/ I love this girls honesty and love for riding no matter what!

11. http://baystatebrumby.blogspot.com/ Love this blogger's photos of her trail rides, makes me feel like I've been riding all winter long on her fuzzy paint, Lilly.

12. http://special.equisearch.com/blog/equitrekking/ Have you seen this show on PBS, it's called "Equitrekking' and I love it. Traveling, HBriding, eating, etc...what's not to be jealous about, she has the best job! PBS, if you need someone for "Equitrekking with a foul mouth" let me know! ;)

13. http://www.houseofturquoise.com/ Non horse related but a beautiful design blog about everything Turquoise in design..slurp!

14. http://decordeprovence.blogspot.com/ Again, design related. This girls design sense is so similar to my own...love it! :) Photos are dreamy.

15. http://www.canterusa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=35&Itemid=55 CANTER Michigan, last but certainly not least. They were on board with helping me get my sweet Lazarus before he even entered their hands and educated me a lot. xo